Toyota filled my coolant overflow with washer fluid
 

I just got my 7500 mile free service, and once done I noticed that my coolant overflow tank was way overfilled (like when warm it was within 1/2 cm of the cap). I check my fluids every week, so I was very aware that my coolant level was exactly at the "MAX" line when hot and 2" below that when cold, before servicing. So, pissed off, I looked at the service record and saw that the washer fluid had been filled, but there was no mention of the coolant being touched. I had a bottle of Toyota's spec FR-S coolant at home so once I got back to my garage I compared it to the stuff in my reservoir.

Turns out that on Toyota's the washer fluid reservoir is located where our coolant reservoir is. Also Toyota coolant is red, whereas ours is blue. So some jackass tech noticed that my "washer fluid" was low and topped it off, without looking at the obvious fucking label on the cap.

I took it back and had them drain the reservoir, fill it with new coolant, drain it again, and then refill with the proper amount of the proper fluid. I'm just glad I noticed it quickly and the few hours it was in my overflow tank was not enough to contaminate the coolant in the system.

**edit I went back and insisted they do a full coolant flush and refill**

Anyway, be careful guys. ALWAYS check that work had been done on your car properly. I for one, will be doing all of my own work going forward.

Holy crap, are you serious? I'd absolutely flip out if that would have happened to me. They didn't do anything other than just fix it? I would be demanding a lot more than just fixing the problem.

Thats crazy...but also doesn't really surprise me. I too would be demanding something other than just fixing the problem

you take the time to weekly check on your fluids but let people who dont give a darn about your car work on it ?

I'm back now, getting the system flushed for peace of mind. What kind of stuff would you expect to receive, more free service? Well fuck that.

Free service, figured an oil change would be simple enough. Now I'll be doing everything myself.

In store credit to be used on parts. I had an issue at a dodge dealer and they sent me a 500.00 prepaid visa card.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

I would have insisted they tow it back in or perform the flush and refill where the car is. Or they will hear from my lawyer. I'd demand compensation now or you can contact the local newspaper consumer advocate.

I'm shocked the car didn't overheat.

Just in the overflow, not the whole system. Coolant temp did not go beyond 94C. I log oil and coolant temps whenever I drive.

My coolant expands from halfway between full and low, to right on the full mark when just driving 30miles to work on a highway cruising 75mph in 40 degree f weather.


What im saying is, if i put anything but coolant in my overflow it would contaminate my entire system just going 30miles down the highway.

Also theres a reason my car has never seen the dealer since i drve it off the lot, dont care about any free maintenance crap they offer, trust nobody but myself.

Which dealer? I'm in Portland too. I never take my car to dealers.. just wondering.

aw dude that sucks i bet the tech felt pretty bad...i know i would. i hope the car is ok now though.

Car is fine, insisted they do a complete system flush.

That tech must seriously feel bad. I mean, he thought he was doing the right thing, being proactive and helping an owner out by refilling it. Its just unfortunate he mistook the coolant reservoir. Sounds like they did everything they could to make you feel right about it.

Does anyone know EXACTLY what happens when antifreeze mixes with washer fluid?

Ill give you a hint... nothing. The alcohol will evaporate leaving additional water in the coolant. All that does is ever so slightly increase the temperature that the mix will freeze at. does not decrease the effectiveness of the coolant unless youre somewhere VERY cold.